AN Italian photographer accused skier Alberto Tomba of assault yesterday and said he had filed a complaint with police.

Riccardo Schirmacher alleged the Olympic and world champion felled him with a karate kick to the neck and then punched and kicked him after both left a party in Florence on Monday night.

"I thought an avalanche had descended on me," Schirmacher told the Italian news agency ANSA. "I've reported him (to police). You bet I've reported him," he was quoted as saying.

Tomba was not available for comment, but Schirmacher said the skier had apologised. ANSA said the photographer had a hospital check-up for bruises to the neck, wrist and thigh.

It quoted Schirmacher as saying Tomba had asked him to stop taking photographs during the party. The photographer said he had continued and also photographed Tomba later on the street.